The White Lotus

[smokingboot]

I enjoyed this. Not a dazzler from the get-go, it doesn't grab and hold like say True Detective Season 1; more like some local delicacy you try because you're curious, only to realise 5 minutes later that you've eaten the whole thing. I was wary because it has this rep for touching on uncomfortable subjects like the privilege of whiteness and wealth, and I am bored to death with chuntering guilt peddlers. But it avoids saccharine or emotional blackmail, and entails enough cringe comedy, subtlety, and quiet cruelty for points to make themselves. It demonstrates the human without preaching. In the end it's a harsh but radiant piece entire with just about 2 fist pump moments for me, I honestly don't see how season 2 can improve or even maintain the level it sets.

Now's a good time to watch it, just as I'm thinking about Thailand for dentistry, though Bulgaria might be the more handy option. Saw echoes of myself just once, in the hopelessness of the tourist who has brought her mother's ashes on holiday and needs someone else to point out the plastic bag in which they're kept despite them being right there with the rest of her luggage. Beyond that I am thankfully free of McQuoidisms. I hope.